WBC Boxing News: Japan Adopts Instant Replay In Title Fights

From WBC President Jose Sulaiman:

The Japan Boxing Commission has agreed to use instant replay in WBC title fights. The WBC is very happy with this development regarding the instant replay rule, which was adopted during the 45th Annual WBC World Convention in Manila , Philippines , in November 2007.

At first, the JBC did not accept the use of the rule and a major injustice came very close to happening in Japan when champion Hozumi Hasegawa fought Simone Maludrottu in January, 2008.

Hasagawa sustained a large cut on his eyelid. The referee did not see the headbutt that produced it, and ruled that the cut was caused by a legal punch. During the rest period between rounds, the replay – which clearly showed that the cut was caused by a headbutt – was shown to millions of fans who were watching on television as well as thousands of fans in the arena who could see the giant video screens.

Fortunately, the fight went to a decision and Hasegawa won, but had the fight been stopped on the cut, Hasegawa would have lost his title.

The Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation has announced the use of the four- and eight-round open scoring in all OPBF title fights. This innovative rule has been proven to bring excitement and competitiveness to fights around the world.

More than 45 countries are using open scoring in title bouts, and there has not been one negative incident.